Buy Local!
The Consortium for Ecological Living
Brianna Farver, Andrew Hathaway & Rebecca Snow
In need of a Sustainable
Definition…
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Our definition vs. UVM Dining
Services
What is Local?
• Proximity
– distance between various components of the food system
(consumer, producer, supply& distribution)
• Efficiency
– Transportation: methods of transit, travel distances
– Methods of farming & production
• Seasonality/Regional-I-T-Y
– Recognize limits and capability of your region
Why Local?
Community food systems vs.
Globalized food system
• Local & Community Systems
Address:
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–
–
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food security
Proximity
self-reliance
sustainability
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Proximity & Efficiency
• Travel distances & Back hauling
– Most states purchase 85-90% of their food from
outside sources
• Methods of Production
– Local systems= relationships
• Face to face discussions about how your
food is produced
– Ecologically sound practices, use of GE,
antibiotics and synthetic inputs
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• Most produce in the
US is picked 4 to 7
days prior to being
shipped
• on average, food
travels 1300-1500
miles before its sold
• This inefficiency only applies to foods in our own country’s
borders!
 Think about how much energy is used to produce, export,
import, and then transport foods from Mexico, Asia, Canada,
South America, etc.
A community perspective
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• Recognizing community in the food system
is a must!
– a community recognizes its responsibility to
collaborate with regards to the production,
processing, distribution and consumption of its foods
– emphasis on strengthening (or developing) the
relationships between all components of the food
system.
Self-reliance
–the degree to which
a community meets its
own food needs
– While the aim of community food systems is not total
self-sufficiency (where all food is produced,
processed, marketed and consumed within a defined
boundary)
Develop your local economy
• create direct links between farmers and
consumers
• shorter distance between partners, reduced
resources for transportation
• stronger community economies promote job
creation & re-circulate financial capital in the
community
• Every dollar you spend locally is equivalent to spending $7.00!
In 1991, Dr. Stewart Smith illustrated that the farm
share, the money going to the farmer/producer sector
in the agriculture system, declined from 41% to 9%
between 1910 and 1990
A Holistic Approach
• Optimized health (human and ecological)
• Reduced risk of diet-related chronic diseases
• Dietary change that complements the seasonal
availability of foods produced and processed by
the local food and agriculture system
• increased enjoyment of food among community
members
I’ve got the power!
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• We voice our values with our
purchasing power
– What you choose to purchase
determines what commodities are
provided in your community
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Reaching Out
•Many producers, growers and farmer donate harvest surplus
to community members in need
•When we offer our support, the recognition comes
full circle